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The annual MTN Kampala Marathon gets underway with the wheelchair competition, the IHK Hope Ward Fun Run and a mock marathon this Sunday, 15th November at Kololo Airstrip.
The main event that includes the full marathon (42 kilometres), half marathon (21 kilometres), half marathon corporate challenge, 10 kilometres open challenge and the 10 kilometres corporate challenge takes place on Sunday, 22nd November at the same venue.
Explaining the new developments, the marathon organizing committee chairman Aggrey Kagonyera stated that, “The change to have the Wheelchair competition a week before the main marathon was adopted from other international marathons where subsidiary races and events take place a week before.” Adding that, “And since our aim is to have this marathon gain the international status from IAAF, we have decided to adopt some of the aspects that other marathon organizers are already doing.”
In regard to the mock marathon, Kagonyera revealed that, it was down the need to ensure a smooth event next week that the mock marathon was being done. “We want to ensure that we are well prepared on the day of the main event especially the technicalities and all logistics. The Police will be on hand too to ensure an incident free event.” The 42 kilometres and the 21 kilometres are the only routes to be considered for the mock marathon, which is to be run by already selected elite runners.
In a related development, the annual IHK Hope Ward Fun Run, which has attracted over 300 runners, will be setting off after the wheelchair competition and the mock marathon.
“Last year we had approximately 180 runners and collected UGX 3 million for the Ward, so we’re very pleased with the increased number of over 300 this year as this will definitely mean an increase in the proceeds that will go towards the Hope Ward,” said IHK’s Robert Ripley.
MildMay, Bead for Life and Volunteer Services Uganda are some of the corporate teams that have registered for the third edition of the fun run.
About the MTN GROUP
Launched in 1994, the MTN Group is a multinational telecommunications group, operating in 21 countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The MTN Group is listed on the JSE Securities Exchange in South Africa under the share code: "MTN". As at 30 September 2009, MTN recorded 108,4 million subscribers across its operations in Afghanistan, Benin, Botswana, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Cyprus, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Republic, Iran, Liberia, Nigeria, Republic of Congo (Congo Brazzaville), Rwanda, South Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Uganda, Yemen and Zambia. The MTN Group is a global sponsor of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ and has exclusive mobile content rights for Africa and the Middle East. Please visit www.mtn.com andwww.mtnfootball.com
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